6 Benefits of Listening to Podcasts

If you dismiss podcasts as something your grandkids listen to, you may be missing out. Podcasts offer exceptional audio entertainment for people of all ages. But do seniors really listen to podcasts? Absolutely! According to 2020 research, listening to podcasts has increased by 70% among those 55 and older. The many benefits of listening to podcasts range from entertainment to boosting brainpower.

What Is a Podcast?

A podcast is an audio show similar to talk radio. However, it’s available for you to listen to or “stream” whenever you want. There’s no scheduled time to tune in; you choose when to start and stop listening . Podcasts range from about 15 minutes to more than 60 minutes and cover almost every topic imaginable.

What Are the Benefits of Listening to Podcasts?

Now that cell phones and tablets keep us connected no matter where we are, listening to a podcast is easy. And these are six reasons to tune into one today:

1. Podcasts are convenient. You can listen to them on your phone or tablet through a mobile app that is quick and easy to download. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Stitcher are the most popular podcast apps. No matter which app you choose, you can discover thousands of podcasts to listen to whether you are driving, shopping, exercising or just folding laundry.

2. Most podcasts are free. Some offer subscriber benefits, such as commercial-free listening.

3. Podcasts can teach you something new. There are podcasts available on every subject imaginable. Whether you’re interested in cooking, travel, wine, history, true crime, religion, finance, fashion or sports, you can find one that’s worth your time.

4. Podcasts promote active listening. One of the most significant benefits of listening to podcasts is that it helps us learn to actively listen. Sharpening your listening skills can improve communication and relationships.

5. Podcasts are good for your brain. The narrative structure of many podcasts stimulates your brain, whether you’re anticipating the solution to a crime, laughing at a funny story or connecting on an emotional level with a motivational speaker.

6. Podcasts keep the art of storytelling alive. Storytelling has been central to human communities for eons. We are hardwired to be storytellers and listen to stories. By listening to a podcast, you become part of the storytelling tradition. And it may help you frame the stories you choose to share with your loved ones.

7 Best Podcasts for Seniors

When you’re ready to choose a podcast, here are our top picks:

• Explore Senior Living with The House. Sue Lanza and her team discuss the latest from Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd in Hackettstown, NJ. Be sure to catch their conversations about the community and the history of Hackettstown.
• Two Cups of Tea. Chris Heath chats with older legends as they share tales about their lives.
• Relic Radio. Artifacts from the golden age of radio.
• The Not Old—Better Show. Host Paul Vogelzang interviews people from a variety of backgrounds who live a life of purpose and adventure.
• Excuse My Grandma. This podcast began during the pandemic when a 79-year-old grandmother moved in with her 26-year-old granddaughter. It’s a lighthearted look at generational differences.
• Retirement Answer Man. This covers everything you want to know about retirement, with fresh topics each week.
• Legacy Grandparenting. This podcast is designed for Christian grandparents.

Podcasts can enrich your life, and are one more way to experience joyful living. We hope you will visit Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd to discover all that we offer. In the meantime, enjoy the benefits of listening to our podcast.